IB DeDe LATTIMORE, SOUTH FLORIDA

6’0” – 237 lbs. – XXXX

POSITIVES:

• Impressive overall movement skills, gets up to speed quickly, flows well to ball.• Could make sense for teams as either a middle or weakside linebacker in the 4-3.• Instincts are generally sound in terms of identifying/recognizing plays post-snap.• Physical player who gets a little bit chippy after the snap; impressive intensity.• More powerful than his size suggests, in terms of pop on contact and hit power.• Doesn’t do a great job vs. blocks but can navigate through trash reasonably well.• Has value as a blitzer due to his overall burst, ability to disguise post-snap intent.• Seems like a likely candidate for a special-teams role on kick/punt coverage units.

NEGATIVES:

• Combination of height and bulk is barely adequate for a pro middle linebacker.• Angles in pursuit, need to avoid blocks can occasionally negate his athleticism.• Probably restricted to covering backs out of flat vs. man coverage on tight ends.• More of a downhill player than someone who was used extensively in coverage.• Gets distracted by blockers, preoccupation can lead to difficulty locating the ball.• Needs to do a better job of protecting his legs, susceptible to cut blocks vs. run.• Tends to incline more toward going for a hit than remembering to wrap runners.

SUMMARY:

A Shrine Game invite who failed to receive a Combine invitation, whether or not Lattimore’s destined for a late-round selection in this year’s draft remains to be seen, but he figures to draw interest from teams who are seeking reserve linebackers for swarming 4-3 fronts, whether in the middle or on the weakside. It’s doubtful that he’ll ever work his way into a starting lineup, but undersized, athletic linebackers tend to make effective special-teams players, which could give him an opportunity to contribute at the pro level. At first, though, he may need to spend some time on a team’s practice squad, as there are still some flaws in his game, most notably his overpursuit of the play at times. At this point, Lattimore is more dynamic as a downhill player than as someone who looks comfortable reading the quarterback’s eyes in coverage, so that may require some work as well.